Young Pakistani Pacer Impresses on Test Debut Against Sri Lanka

Saqib Khan, a young Pakistani fast bowler, made an impressive impact on his Test debut against Sri Lanka during the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. He claimed two crucial wickets, dismissing Dinesh Chandimal for just one run off three deliveries and later taking Udara for 42 runs off 52 balls, including seven boundaries. Muhammad Ghazi Ghori retrieved the catch in both instances.

Mohammad Abbas also contributed to Pakistan's early breakthrough by dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara for a duck off seven balls, caught by Ghazi Ghori. The innings concluded at 434-9 in 106.3 overs, with five batters, including three debutants, scoring half-centuries. Saud Shakeel spearheaded Pakistan's batting effort with a well-rounded 93 runs off 199 balls, including nine boundaries. He and Ghazi Ghori shared a 96-run stand for the sixth wicket, before Shakeel departed to Dilshan Madushanka.

Pakistan's total stood at 349-6 after 88.1 overs, falling seven runs short of their century target. Babar Azam and debutant Mohammad Taha joined forces for a 69-run partnership for the third wicket, with Babar scoring 50 off 58 balls before being dismissed by Madushanka. Shakeel registered his 12th Test half-century, bolstering Pakistan's position in the game.